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I let out a heavy sigh as I steered through an intersection.

This was not an easy subject for me. “I’m not going to lie.

I’ve had other women over the years,” I admitted.

“But they were just dalliances—a good time and nothing more. Maybe some flowers or jewelry as a parting gift, but it never went further than that.” I paused to gather my thoughts.

“I know men say this sort of thing when chasing a beautiful young woman—which, of course, you are. But if all I wanted was to take you to bed, I would have done it.”

Barbara was quiet. I snuck a glance at her lovely profile, simultaneously fearing and longing for her reaction.

“Why are you telling me all this?” she asked, so softly I almost didn’t hear her.

“Because you deserve the truth.” I reached over and took her hand in mine. “With you, everything’s different. I’m different. When we’re together, I don’t feel like I have to put on a mask or pretend. It’s…liberating.”

“I feel the same way,” she said in a hushed voice.

“When I’m with you, it’s like I can finally breathe.

I don’t have to keep up the act or pretend to be someone I’m not.

” She let out a soft, nervous laugh. “It’s crazy, isn’t it?

We barely know each other.” I heard the faint rustle of fabric against leather as she shifted beside me.

“But it’s true. At home, I feel like I’m playing a part, being the perfect wife.

I’d like to say that Frank tries, but he doesn’t.

He just wants the perfect wife, the storybook life.

He doesn’t understand me. Doesn’t even see me. ” Her voice caught. “Not like you do.”

“I do see you, and you’re extraordinary.” I turned into the office parking garage. “Where are you parked?”

“Second level, by the stairs.”

I maneuvered the Jaguar around the curves and up the ramp.

As we crested the second level, she pointed to a black sedan. “The Plymouth.”

I pulled into the empty spot beside it and shifted the car into park. Barbara stared at her hands folded neatly in her lap, uncertainty clouding her delicate features.

“What are we doing, Victor?” she asked softly. “This is madness.”

I gripped the wheel hard and pulled in a slow breath. She was right, of course. This whole situation was reckless, dangerous even. But I’ll be damned if I was going to walk away now.

“I know.” My words came out rough and low. “Believe me, I know we’re playing with fire, but that doesn’t change a thing. I can’t stay away from you, Barbara. I don’t want to.” I drew in breath to speak but cut myself off.

She tilted her head, eyes narrow as she studied me. “What were you going to say?”

I let out a nervous laugh. “Nothing gets past you, does it?”

She didn’t answer.

“I was going to ask you to take the rest of the week and weekend to think long and hard about it. About us. And let me know your answer when I see you on Monday.”

“Monday?”

“Well, you only work Monday through Wednesday. And it’s Wednesday, Barbara. So, yes, Monday.”

“Do I still have a job with you?”

“Of course you do, doll.” I chuckled, trying to lighten the tense mood. “You’re one of the best secretaries I’ve ever had, and I won’t deprive myself of that talent just because we…”

Barbara blushed a deeper shade of pink, but her eyes sparkled with mirth. “I’ll see you Monday then.” She reached for the door handle, but I stopped her with a touch. She hesitated and turned back to me, uncertainty and longing flickering across her face.

“Wait,” I said softly. “Before you go, there’s something I need to say.”

Barbara’s eyes searched mine. “What is it?”

I steadied myself. “I know this is dangerous. If we pursue it, there will be consequences—for both of us.” I reached up and tenderly brushed my thumb across her cheek.

My heart thundered. “You deserve so much more than the life you have. You deserve passion, adventure, love. I want to give that to you, Barbara.”

She drew in a sharp breath, tilting her face down as she struggled for composure. When she finally lifted her gaze to meet mine, her eyes were luminous, glistening like a film starlet’s.

“Victor, I…I don’t know what to say,” she began haltingly. “A part of me wants to throw caution to the wind and run away with you right now.”

My God, she even sounded like a starlet.

“But the rational part of me knows that would be reckless. And then there’s little Frankie. I can’t do anything to hurt him.”

I took her hand, giving it a slow, reassuring squeeze. “I understand. I would never ask you to do anything to hurt your son. Take the time you need to think things through.” I pressed a gentle kiss to her hand. “You’re worth the wait.”

Barbara nodded, blinking as a few tears slipped free.

She quickly dashed them away. “Thank you, Victor.” She leaned in and brushed the faintest kiss against my cheek.

Even that whisper of contact sent a charge through me.

“I’ll see you Monday,” she whispered. Then she slipped out of the car before I could respond.